WATCH: Obama and Putin Face-to-Face Draws Cheers, Chuckles

Sean Gallup/Getty Images(COLLEVILLE-SUR-MER, France) -- President Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin smiled slightly Friday as they were surprised to find themselves side-by-side at the D-Day anniversary ceremony -- courtesy of a jumbo split screen.

Obama was shaking hands with elderly veterans of the D-Day invasion when the operator of the jumbo screen featured the Russian president. A ripple of chuckling and cheers spread through the veterans, their families and dignitaries. Obama ended his hand shaking while asking “What’s happening?” and headed to the podium, taking his place several dignitaries away from Putin.

The jumbo screen then went to a split of Putin and Obama, prompting laughter and more cheers from the crowd.

After a second, both presidents realized what was causing the stir.

Obama looked to his left at Putin with a wry smile on his face. Putin looked to his right with just the hint of a grin.

On screen, the two were almost nose to nose.

After a couple seconds of eye contact, Obama and Putin looked away while the cheers continued.